Best methods to find entry-level freelance writing jobs for beginners

So you learned the art of content writing from a crouse. You know how to write a blog or article that will captivate the reader’s attention, and that’s great, but now the question is where to find the clients to write for. Who will pay me to write for them? Today, I will tell you exactly where you can find a freelance writing job. This could include finding a job in the local area and online. I will explain each method and the pros and cons behind each technique. But first, let’s talk about some things you should have before pitching the clients.

Do you need a degree to be a freelance writer?

Let’s be honest: this is 2025, and you live in the USA. You don’t need a fancy and expensive degree with a high score to find a freelance writing job; the only thing you need is a portfolio that will assure the clients that you know your sh*t you are better in that field than they are. You know the art of writing. When you could prove this with a portfolio, they wouldn’t even ask if you have a degree or not. You need to know how to pitch and run a business to get a job and get money writing.

Finding a job online:

We’ll discuss how you would find a job in your local area, where the competition is super low compared to finding a job online. But it would help if you also kept your eyes and hearts open in the online sector as well; here are three best options for you that I think would be to have a presence online:

Fiverr:

Alright, here’s the deal with Fiverr—it’s a goldmine if you play your cards right. First, think of your profile as your billboard. You want to look professional but approachable. Use a nice, clear picture (seriously, not a blurry selfie) and write a bio that’s straight to the point but still shows off your personality. Talk about what you can do, why you’re good at it, and how you’ll make your clients’ lives easier.

Now, when you’re setting up your gigs, be specific. Don’t just say, “I’ll write anything.” Trust me, people love specialists. If you’re into blogging, create a gig for that. If you can write killer product descriptions, make another one for that. Break it down. And when you write your gig descriptions, clarify what you’re offering. Tell them exactly what they’ll get—word count, tone, style—and throw in extras like faster delivery or additional revisions if they’re willing to pay more.

Here’s the tricky part: pricing. When you’re new, charging peanuts to get clients is tempting. Don’t sell yourself short, but maybe start a little lower than the pros to build up reviews. You can gradually raise your rates once you’ve got a few happy clients and some five-star ratings. Oh, and consistently deliver your best work, even if it’s a small job—it’s like an investment in your reputation.

Also, don’t sit around waiting for clients to come to you. Use Fiverr’s Buyer Requests feature to pitch yourself to people looking for writers. It’s like sending out mini-applications, and it’s a good way to land your first few gigs.

Just keep tweaking and improving as you go. If one gig isn’t getting clicks, the title or thumbnail may need some work. Experiment, learn, and be patient—it’s a hustle, but once you get rolling, it’s worth it.

Upwork :

Upwork is like a big, bustling marketplace where everybody’s looking for something. The first thing you need is a killer profile. Treat it like your client dating profile—clear, confident, and full of good vibes. Talk about what you’re great at (writing, duh), add some samples that show off your skills, and if you don’t have samples yet, whip up a couple that look like real client work.

Now, the trick with Upwork is pitching. When you apply for a job, don’t just copy-paste some generic spiel. Read the job post, determine the client’s needs, and tell them how you will solve their problem. Make it personal—drop a specific idea that shows you’re paying attention. And don’t stress too much about your hourly rate at first; start reasonably, build up reviews, and then you can raise the stakes.

Also, be smart about which gigs you apply for. Look for clients with verified payments and decent reviews—they’re less likely to mess you around. And remember, patience is key. Landing your first job might take a little time, but once you do, you’re in.

ProBlogger :

Now, ProBlogger is where the serious writing nerds hang out. It’s a job board specifically for writing gigs, so the competition is real. But here’s the cool part: most clients know what they want and are often willing to pay decent rates for quality work.

When you’re scrolling through listings, look for gigs that match your vibe—whether that’s blog posts about food, tech, travel, or whatever you’re into. Send a pitch that’s short, sweet, and to the point. Don’t forget to include links to your best samples. No samples? No problem—write a quick mock piece to show off your skills.

ProBlogger is a bit more old-school than Upwork. You won’t have a fancy profile here; it’s all about your email pitch and samples. So, make that email shine, and don’t be afraid to let your personality peek through a little—it makes you memorable.

The hustle is accurate on both platforms, but if you stick with it and keep improving your pitches, you’ll start landing gigs. Just keep showing up and doing the work. You’ve got this!

Target local business:

Start by making a list of local small businesses—cafes, boutiques, repair shops, or even local service providers like salons or gyms. Look them up online. Check if they have websites or social media pages. You’ll notice a lot of them have outdated content, poorly written blogs, or no engaging copy at all. That’s where you step in.

Craft a simple, personalized message. Say something like, “Hey, I noticed your website looks great, but I think your ‘About Us’ section could really connect better with customers. I’m a freelance writer, and I’d love to help you freshen it up. Want me to send over a quick sample idea?” Keep it friendly, not pushy. People respond better when you show genuine interest.

Also, don’t wait for job posts. Visit businesses in person if you’re comfortable. Drop a card or mention your skills casually. Many small companies don’t even realize they need better writing until you show them how it could help them. Lastly, be consistent. Not everyone will respond right away, but persistence pays off.

Use email:

If you want to land freelance gigs by emailing businesses, think of it as making a first impression in-person—just in written form. The key? Be honest, be transparent, and show you actually get them. Don’t just spam the same boring email everywhere; craft each one like it’s meant for them.

Start with a friendly opening, maybe something like, “Hey [Their Name], I came across [their company/website/product], and I was genuinely impressed by [something specific you liked about them].” This part matters because it shows you’ve done your homework. No one likes generic copy-paste vibes.

Next, slide in your skills, but make it relevant to them. Like, “I noticed [a specific challenge or area they could improve]. I specialize in [your skill], and I believe I can help you with [solution].” Don’t just say, “I’m great at writing” or “I do design.” Show them how you solve their problems.

Then, make it easy for them to imagine working with you. Keep it simple: “If you’re open to it, I’d love to share more ideas tailored to [their company/project]. We could even start small—no strings attached—to see if it’s a good fit.” And don’t forget a friendly close like, “Looking forward to hearing from you. Either way, keep doing amazing work!”

The vibe you want is confident but approachable. No hard-selling—offer value. That’s how you hook them.

Create an article for local news media:

Alright, so if you’re looking to land freelance reporting gigs with local news outlets, the key is to get noticed and show that you can bring fresh, relevant stories to the table. First off, do some research on the local news outlets you want to write for—know their style, what kind of stories they cover, and what gaps might exist in their reporting. It’s about showing that you get what your audience wants to read.

When you reach out, keep it personal and casual. Show that you know their content and value it. Then, pitch yourself and what you can bring. Mention your background, what you write about, and why you think a piece on [local topic, event, or issue] would be a great fit for their audience.

Link to some of your past work or writing samples to give them a sneak peek. Keep it light and offer value, not just “hire me!” Finish with something like, “I would love to connect and explore how I can help cover [topic].” Stay friendly, confident, and professional, but keep the vibe relaxed.

Target local marketing agencies:

Start by researching some marketing agencies in your area, checking out their websites, and seeing what kind of content they produce. You want to make sure you align with their voice and style.

When you reach out, keep it friendly but professional. It’s always a good idea to start with a little flattery—it shows you’re paying attention. Then, tell them what you do and how you can add value. You might say, “I specialize in creating content that speaks directly to local audiences, and I think I could help your clients with [specific service you can offer, like blog posts, social media content, etc.].”

If you have any writing samples, throw them in. Make it easy for them to see your work. Wrap it up by saying something like, “Would love to chat more about how we could work together!” Keep it chill but confident—just let them know you’re ready to bring some fresh content their way.

Conclusion:

Freelance writing is a journey; you will get rejections, but it pays to be persistent. Write daily, improve your skills further, and remember that every small gig brings you closer to your goals. With time and effort, those “entry-level” jobs will evolve into a thriving career.

Your writing future is in your hands. Crafting it today!

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